Celtic vs Rangers: League Cup final preview, prediction & lineups

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Celtic fans need absolutely no reminding who they play next. Each Glasgow Derby date is etched firmly into the back of every fan's mind. So, let's take a look at the upcoming Scottish League Cup final as both teams vie for the first piece of silverware of the 24/25 season and of course, bragging rights.

It goes without saying that Celtic head into this final as the favourites. In fact, that's an understatement.

Celtic are in impeccable, near-perfect form. Philippe Clement's side, on the other hand, have had quite a few stumbles this season already and find themselves trailing by 11 points in the league. Then again, that's not too much of a surprise.

Still, the Hoops cannot be complacent. They are aware that form is the last consideration when it comes to derby days. So, without further ado, here is the Celtic vs Rangers preview.

Celtic vs Rangers: Scottish League Cup final preview, prediction & lineups

When does Celtic vs Rangers kick off?

The Scottish League Cup final kicks off on Sunday 15 December at 15:30 GMT.

  • When is kick off? Sunday 15 December, 2024
  • What time is kick off? 15:30 GMT
  • Where is it played? Hampden Park, Glasgow

Celtic vs Rangers head to head record

In the last five Glasgow Derbies, Celtic have won four and the other match ended in a draw.

Date

Result

Competition

1 September 2024

Celtic 3-0 Rangers

Scottish Premiership

25 May 2024

Celtic 1-0 Rangers

Scottish Cup

11 May 2024

Celtic 2-1 Rangers

Scottish Premiership

7 April 2024

Rangers 3-3 Celtic

Scottish Premiership

30 December 2023

Celtic 2-1 Rangers

Scottish Premiership

Is Celtic vs Rangers on TV?

In the UK and Ireland, Celtic vs Rangers will be shown on Premier Sports 1 and Premier Sports Player. In the USA, the Glasgow Derby is available on Paramount+.

Celtic team news

In midweek, Celtic did carry one injury concern. Alistair Johnston was taken off at the break against Dinamo Zagreb as he seemed to pick up a hip issue after a heavy challenge.

In the buildup to the League Cup final, it is looking progressively more positive for Celtic. Rodgers seemed to hint that Johnston is fit to play in the final.

Odin Thiago Holm is also missing for the champions. This is not surprising, though. He's been out for a while.

Predicted Celtic lineup vs Rangers: Schmeichel; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Taylor; McGregor, Engels, Hatate; Kuhn, Idah, Maeda

Rangers team news

The biggest team news for Clement's side is the issue picked up by John Souttar in midweek. The defender has been one of the few players performing well this season, so not having him available is a huge knock.

That said, Ianis Hagi and Danilo are both available for the Rangers after missing out in midweek. So too is Oscar Cortes, an unused sub in midweek.

Predicted Rangers lineup vs Celtic: Butland, Sterling, Balogun, Propper, Jefte, Raskin, Diomande, Cerny, Bajrami, Barron, Igamane

Celtic vs Rangers score prediction

No prizes for guessing who we think will win. Even putting the recent history which swings in Celtic's favour to one side, the Hoops are in much better form than the Rangers. I think both teams will score but Rodgers' team will come out on top. Celtic 3-2 Rangers is my prediction.